'''Popayán''' (Pronounced: ''Po - pa - 'yan''), is a colonial-era city in southwestern [[Colombia]], capital of the [[Cauca]] department.

'''Popayán''' (Pronounced: ''Po - pa - 'yan''), is a colonial-era city in southwestern [[Colombia]], capital of the [[Cauca]] department.

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* '''By taxi:''' in Colombia it is common to travel by taxi between major cities. You can get on a shared cab at any major transportation terminal. If you want a cab just for yourself, you will need to pay a fare equivalent as if the cab was full.

* '''By taxi:''' in Colombia it is common to travel by taxi between major cities. You can get on a shared cab at any major transportation terminal. If you want a cab just for yourself, you will need to pay a fare equivalent as if the cab was full.

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* '''By bus:''' the bus from Cali to Popayan takes only two hours and there are numerous bus companies available. The most reliable are bus operators are '''Expreso Palmira''' and '''Expreso Bolivariano'''. Avoid Expreso Puerto Tejada. If you are in southern Colombia and traveling northwards, the bus from Pasto to Popayan takes about 4 to 6 hours. Be advised that there is significant guerrilla activity in the countryside near Popayan and it can be risky to travel by land during periods of disturbance if you are not a local. There are daily buses from the border town of [[Ipiales]].

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* '''By bus:''' the bus from Cali to Popayan takes only two hours and there are numerous bus companies available. The most reliable are bus operators are '''Expreso Palmira''' and '''Expreso Bolivariano'''. Avoid Expreso Puerto Tejada. If you are in southern Colombia and traveling northwards, the bus from Pasto to Popayan takes about 6 hours 25.000 COP (as of May 2015) the route is safe but avoid night busses. There are daily buses from the border town of [[Ipiales]], around 8 hours. The bus from Medellín to Popayan takes 12-14 hours 60.000 - 70.000 COP.

*'''By train:''' unfortunately, Colombia no longer has a rail service to speak-of. Until the early 1970's you could still travel between cities like Cali and Popayan by rail, but the Colombian government let the national rail company go bankrupt. Sadly enough, many rail tracks were stolen for use in construction projects in rural areas.

*'''By train:''' unfortunately, Colombia no longer has a rail service to speak-of. Until the early 1970's you could still travel between cities like Cali and Popayan by rail, but the Colombian government let the national rail company go bankrupt. Sadly enough, many rail tracks were stolen for use in construction projects in rural areas.

==Get around==

==Get around==

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Popayan is a small city and it is an easy 10-15 minute walk between the bus station and the centre. The historical centre is fairly compact and best explored on foot. Taxis are plentiful.

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Popayan is a small city and it is an easy 10-15 minute walk between the bus station and the centre. The historical centre is fairly flat and compact and best explored on foot or bicycle.

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===Public Transportation===

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There are 3 independent public bus companies - Libertad, Transpubenza and Sotracauca Mettro. They are very inexpensive US$0.50 (1,500COP for a single ride). Bus stops are few and far between and so a culture exists of buses stopping every 200m or so to allow people to embark or disembark. Taxis are plentiful and the minimum fare is around US$1.20 (3,800COP). The taximeter was introduced in 2015 to make the pricing farer.

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===Bikes===

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* Since May 2013 Popayan has a public bike sharing system, called [http://www.ecociclo.co/ ‘’’EcoCiclo’’’]. The cost is currently US7$ (20,000 COP) per month, although hourly rates do exist too. Many of the hotels have agreements with the project which allow tourists to use the system for free. The system currently has just one station in the centre of the city. The local council is currently working to expand this system in 2016.

==See==

==See==

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==Do==

==Do==

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Popayan is famed for it's architecture and as one of the most picturesque cities in Latin America, most visitors to the city like to take a walk around town to appreciate the fine colonial buildings. The coffee shops and restaurants are famous on an international level and so the gastronomy element of the city is also strong. Museums tend to be dedicated to the famous 'founding fathers' of Popayan and although the city is lacking a museum dedicated to the history of the area, the Natural History Museum is one of the best in the country.

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Popayan is famed for its architecture and as one of the most picturesque cities in Latin America, most visitors to the city like to take a walk around town to appreciate the fine colonial buildings. The coffee shops and restaurants are famous on an international level and so the gastronomy element of the city is also strong. Museums tend to be dedicated to the famous 'founding fathers' of Popayan and although the city is lacking a museum dedicated to the history of the area, the Natural History Museum is one of the best in the country.

Popayan's surroundings also have a wide range of activities on offer including thermal springs, cycling trips, hiking in the nearby Purace National Park and the indigenous village of Silvia which is just a hour outside town.

Popayan's surroundings also have a wide range of activities on offer including thermal springs, cycling trips, hiking in the nearby Purace National Park and the indigenous village of Silvia which is just a hour outside town.

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* <do name="Popayan Tours" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="http://www.popayantours.com" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="info@popayantours.com">Most of the outdoor activities in Popayan are run through Popayan Tours - the most popular activity being their downhill cycling trip to the nearby thermal springs of Coconuco which costs 45,000 Pesos pp. Other activities include a Rickshaw tour of the colonial centre and trips to Silvia and Purace National Park</do>

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* <do name="Popayan Tours" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="http://www.popayantours.com" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="info@popayantours.com">Most of the outdoor activities in Popayan are run through Popayan Tours - the most popular activity being their downhill cycling trip to the nearby thermal springs of Coconuco which costs 55,000 Pesos pp. Other activities include a "Hike and Bike"(85,000 Pesos pp) trip from the Purace volcano, a tour to a local coffee farm (30,000 Pesos pp) and Urban Bird watching (60,000 Pesos)</do>

==Learn==

==Learn==

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==Eat==

==Eat==

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In 2005, Popayan became the first city to be designated a City of Gastronomy as part of the [[UNESCO Creative Cities]] initiative. For cheap and genuine food, try the market near Plaza Bolivar, north of the Puente del Humilladero. Meals from COP$ 1500 (June 2008).

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In 2005, Popayan became the first city to be designated a City of Gastronomy as part of the [[UNESCO Creative Cities]] initiative. For cheap and genuine food, try the market near Plaza Bolivar, north of the Puente del Humilladero. Meals from COP $3500 (August 2015).

*<eat name="Cakes and more" alt="" address="carrera 2 #2-35" directions="" phone="+57 32 836462" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long=""> a new place that has amazing cakes - and more. very unique - unique to the region and Popayan - can't find this any place else in the world.

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very unique - unique to the region and Popayan - can't find this any place else in the world...

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</eat>

</eat>

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*<eat name="Maná" alt="" address="Calle 7 #9-??" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="4000" lat="" long="">Great vegetarian restaurant, with lunch for 4000COP (July 2013). Choose 7 dishes (soups, fruits, mains, dessert and juice) out of the menu of aprox. 10-12 dishes). Often a lot of peoople during lunch (12.00-14.00) and some dishes might be sold out at the end of lunch, so come early.</eat>

==Drink==

==Drink==

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==Sleep==

==Sleep==

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* <sleep name="Hostel Caracol" alt="" address="Calle 4 #2-21" directions="4 blocks east of the main square and just 300m from La Ermita church" phone="311 626 8840" url="http://www.hostelcaracol.com" checkin="" checkout="" price="2016 Prices: Dorms: COP 25.000, Private Doubles: COP 58.000, Singles: COP 42.000" lat="" long="" email="info@hostelcaracol.com" fax="">Opened in October 2011, this is one of the most laid-back hostels in the city. Located in a beautiful 18th Century colonial building in the heart of the colonial centre. Offers: Free Wifi, Free CityBike rental, Free Computers with internet, 24 hour access, Kitchen, Coffee Shop (Mon to Fri), Lockers with power sockets, lots of information on trips. The hostel also offers the best deals on long-stay rates.</sleep>

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*<sleep name="ParkLife Hostel" alt="" address="Calle 5 #6-19" directions="In the central park besides the Cathedral" phone="300 249 6240/304 401 1561" url="www.parklifehostel.com" checkin="1pm" checkout="12am" price="Dorms COP 23,000, doubles COP 40,000-60.000 (as of May 2015)" lat="" long="" email="info@parklifehostel.com">This hostel is right in the center of Popayan, in the main square (Parque Caldas). As Lonely Planet explains in its Colombia 2012 edition: "You’d be hard pressed to find a hostel with a better location than Parklife – it’s attached to the cathedral wall" It is located in a beautiful colonial building with average views of the city. The area is pedestrians only so that tranquillity is a guarantee. Its relaxed and quiet atmosphere have attracted many backpackers and travellers visiting the city and/or its surroundings. The services include free WIFI, laundry service, big common areas, free use of the kitchen TV upstairs. The area is very close to several coffee shops, supermarkets and the main commercial street. Many rooms in hostel smell of mold (May 2015). http://www.parklifehostel.com</sleep>

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* <sleep name="Hostel Caracol" alt="" address="Calle 4 #2-21" directions="4 blocks from the main square and just 300m from La Ermita church" phone="311 626 8840" url="http://www.hostelcaracol.com" checkin="" checkout="" price="Dorms: COP$18.000, Privates: COP$45.000, Singles: COP$30.000" lat="" long="" email="info@hostelcaracol.com" fax="">Opened in October 2011, this is one of the most laid-back hostels in the city. Located in a beautiful 16th Century colonial building in the heart of the colonial centre. Offers: Free Wifi, Computers with internet, 24 hour access, Kitchen, DVD room, Lockers with power sockets, lots of information on trips. The hostel also offers the best deals on long-stay rates.</sleep>

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* <sleep name="Hostel Trail" alt="" address="Carrera 11 #4-16" directions="20 meters from Hotel Monasterio" phone="314 696 0805" url="http://www.hosteltrailpopayan.com" checkin="" checkout="12am" price="2016 Prices: Dorms: COP$25.000, Private Doubles: COP$52.000-70.000, Singles: COP$42.000-52.000" lat="" long="" email="popayan@hosteltrail.com" fax="">The backpacker's choice in Popayan since 2006 and considered by the rough guide to be "one of the best hostels in the country..." with free WIFI and Free Computers with internet, free city bikes shared with Hostel Caracol, TV and DVD room, free lockers with power points, electric hot water showers, laundry service and self-catering kitchen. HostelTrail also runs most of the tours in Popayan including the downhill cycling trip to [[Coconuco]] and the "Hike and Bike" trip from the Purace Volcano. Organise your Volcano hike or Biking trips direct from reception.</sleep>

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*<sleep name="ParkLife Hostel" alt="" address="Calle 5 #6-19" directions="In the central park besides the Cathedral" phone="3002496240/3044011561" url="www.parklifehostel.com" checkin="1pm" checkout="12am" price="Dorms COP $16,000, doubles COP $40,000-50.000" lat="" long="" email="info@parklifehostel.com">This hostel is right in the center of Popayan, in the main square (Parque Caldas). As Lonely Planet explains in his Colombia 2012 edition: "You’d be hard pressed to find a hostel with a better location than Parklife – it’s attached to the cathedral wall" It is located in a beautiful colonial building with amazing views of the city. The area is pedestrians only so that tranquility is a guarantee. It's relaxed and quiet atmosfere and low prices have atracted many backpackers and travellers visiting the city and/or its sorroundings. The services include free WIFI, laundry service, big common areas, free use of the kitchen, etc. The area is very close to several coffee shops, supermarkets and the main commercial street. http://www.parklifehostel.com</sleep>

* <sleep name="Hostel Trail" alt="" address="Carrera 11 #4-16" directions="20 meters from Hotel Monasterio" phone="314 696 0805" url="http://www.hosteltrailpopayan.com" checkin="" checkout="" price="Dorms: COP$17.000, Privates: COP$42.000-50.000, Singles: COP$28.000" lat="" long="" email="info@hosteltrail.com" fax="">The backpacker's choice in Popayan since 2006 and rated considered by the rough guide to be "one of the best hostels in the country..." with private and dorm rooms, the fastest broadband internet in the city, FREE WIFI, Skype, DVD Collection, lockers with power points, hot water showers, laundry and self-catering kitchen and breakfast service. HostelTrail also runs most of the tours in Popayan including the downhill cycling trip to Coconuco. Wednesday night is curry night. 10,000 Pesos for a curry and a drink.</sleep>

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*<sleep name="Hotel Pass Home" alt="" address="Calle 5 #10-114 " directions="five streets down the hill from the central park" phone="8243725 (Landline); 3164489513/3207355088 (Cellular Phones)" email="hotelpasshome@gmail.com" url="" checkin="" checkout="" price="Dorms COP $18,000, singles COP $25,000, doubles COP $36,000" lat="" long="">This hotel is clean and the owners (colombia family) are very friendly. If you need a place for a tent, you can pitch here as well for COP $10,000 and you can use the kitchen for free. Free WiFi. Private rooms have cable TV with 106 channels in English, German, French, Chinese, Spanish, etc. You can also purchase a breakfast, lunch, and dinner package with local Popayan cuisine for COP$10,000 per day.</sleep>

*<sleep name="Hospedaje Niyireth" alt="" address="Calle 4 Norte #10-45 (Via principal aereopuerto)" directions="Right next to the Bus Station on the street that takes to the airport. Has no sign outside and the entrance is located on a Tyre shop" phone="Mobile +57-3117270472 | Phone: 8319302" url="No website" checkin="" checkout="12:00" price="Feb 2016 Prices: Single Private w/ priv Bathroom: COP 30.000 (1 person)/40.000 (2 ppl), Private Doubles w/ Priv Bathroom: 50.000 (3ppl)/60.000 (4ppl)" lat="" long="" email="miguel26179@hotmail.com" fax="">Recently renovated, this family house has been arranged like a proper hotel and pricewise is a great choice. It is a relaxed place with free drinking water, clean rooms and bathrooms and just a step away from the station. It isn't a party place. Perfect for couples or groups that want to go see the beautiful market in Silvia Cauca or chill in Popayan.

There is a lot of budget accommodation in Carrera 6, just across the Puente del Humilladero, north of the Rio Molino.

There is a lot of budget accommodation in Carrera 6, just across the Puente del Humilladero, north of the Rio Molino.

==Get out==

==Get out==

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* [[Coconuco]], one hour from Popayan, this small town offers the Hirviendos hot springs. HostelTrail (see Sleep) also runs the most popular trip in Popayan which is a downhill cycling trip to Aguas Hirviendos. The tour leaves at 10pm from HostelTrail and returns at around 3-4pm in the afternoon.

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* [[Coconuco]], one hour from Popayan, this small town offers the Hirviendos and Agua Tibia hot springs. HostelTrail (see Sleep) also runs the most popular trip in Popayan which is a 'downhill' cycling trip to Aguas Hirviendos (Not all, but mostly downhill). The tour leaves at 10am from HostelTrail and takes about an hour to get to the springs, passing through Coconuco on the way. You can return at your leisure on the bike provided, 2 hours mostly downhill. 55,000 COP.

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* [[Purace]]

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* [[Volcán Puracé]], Standing at a height of 4,650m (15,256ft) this active Stratovolcano is currently the only active volcano in Colombia which one can summit. Weather conditions vary wildly and the climb to the summit can be a challenge due to both the cold conditions and the altitude. Trekking the volcano requires no technical experience and takes around 8 hours roundtrip from the entrance to the national park at 3,400m. PopayanTours runs a "Hike and Bike" where they drive you much higher up the mountain (4,050m) in a 4x4 which means you have just a 3 hour hike. For those adventurous enough, you can bike the 54km back to Popayan (1,750m).

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* [[Tierradentro]], Considered one of Colombia's most important archaelogical attractions. This site lies next to a small village (San Andres de Pisimbala) 4 hours from Popayan and it boasts dozens of underground burial chambers.

* [[Salvajina]]

* [[Salvajina]]

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* [[Silvia]], about one hour from Popayan, in the land of the Guambiano Indians. There is a spectacular market there on Tuesdays.

* [[Silvia]], about one hour from Popayan, in the land of the Guambiano Indians. There is a spectacular market there on Tuesdays.

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* [[San Agustin]], a small town with dozens of pre-Colombian statues, waterfalls and beautiful views can be reached in about 7 hours vie rough unpaved roads.

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* [[San Agustin]], a small town with hundreds of pre-Colombian statues, waterfalls and beautiful views can be reached in about 4.5 hours via rough unpaved roads.

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==Stay Safe==

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The tourist centre around Parque Caldas is inconveniently located just north of Barrio Anfonso Lopez, one of the most dangerous parts of the city. Avoid going further south than the Exito supermarket on Calle 6 as muggings are common.

The city was founded in the year 1537 by Sebastian de Belalcazar. Because of its beautiful colonial houses, it is known as the "white city". Popayan has played a major role in Colombia's history dating back to the early days of the Spanish conquest and into the twentieth century. A number of Colombian presidents were born in Popayan including, most recently, Guillermo Leon Valencia from 1962 to 1966. Other well-known citizens include Francisco Jose de Caldas (1768-1816) and Camilo Torres (1766-1816). Popayán has one of Colombia's oldest universities: the Universidad del Cauca, founded in 1827. The University is well known throughout the country for its Law School, Medical School, and its Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering programs.

By air: Popayan's airport does not have heavy traffic but you can reach the city by air. There are about four daily flights from Bogota to Popayan and vice versa. The airport is open between 6 AM and 6 PM (daylight hours). There are no flights between Cali and Popayan as of this writing (December 2008). The airport in the neighbor city of Cali (100 minute car ride) serves many domestic and international destinations.

By taxi: in Colombia it is common to travel by taxi between major cities. You can get on a shared cab at any major transportation terminal. If you want a cab just for yourself, you will need to pay a fare equivalent as if the cab was full.

By bus: the bus from Cali to Popayan takes only two hours and there are numerous bus companies available. The most reliable are bus operators are Expreso Palmira and Expreso Bolivariano. Avoid Expreso Puerto Tejada. If you are in southern Colombia and traveling northwards, the bus from Pasto to Popayan takes about 6 hours 25.000 COP (as of May 2015) the route is safe but avoid night busses. There are daily buses from the border town of Ipiales, around 8 hours. The bus from Medellín to Popayan takes 12-14 hours 60.000 - 70.000 COP.

By train: unfortunately, Colombia no longer has a rail service to speak-of. Until the early 1970's you could still travel between cities like Cali and Popayan by rail, but the Colombian government let the national rail company go bankrupt. Sadly enough, many rail tracks were stolen for use in construction projects in rural areas.

There are 3 independent public bus companies - Libertad, Transpubenza and Sotracauca Mettro. They are very inexpensive US$0.50 (1,500COP for a single ride). Bus stops are few and far between and so a culture exists of buses stopping every 200m or so to allow people to embark or disembark. Taxis are plentiful and the minimum fare is around US$1.20 (3,800COP). The taximeter was introduced in 2015 to make the pricing farer.

Since May 2013 Popayan has a public bike sharing system, called ‘’’EcoCiclo’’’. The cost is currently US7$ (20,000 COP) per month, although hourly rates do exist too. Many of the hotels have agreements with the project which allow tourists to use the system for free. The system currently has just one station in the centre of the city. The local council is currently working to expand this system in 2016.

Since Popayan was a seat of power during Spanish colonial times, there are numerous architectural gems in the city. Some of the most impressive are, naturally, churches. Do not miss: Iglesia de San Francisco, Iglesia La Ermita, and Belen which is perched on top of a small hill overlooking Popayan. As for government buildings the Gobernacion and the Universidad del Cauca have excellent colonial premises. Another architectural site is the Puente del Humilladero, which is a long walking bridge over a river in Popayan that was constructed in old Roman style.

Popayan's central square is called the Parque de Caldas, named after one of Popayan's most famous citizens: Francisco Jose de Caldas (1768-1816). On one side of the square is a city landmark called the Torre del Reloj or the 'Clock Tower.' The clock was designed by Caldas himself and was constructed in Croydon, England before being shipped to Colombia. A few doors down from the Torre del Reloj is the city's Cathedral, which was badly damaged during the major eartquake that almost destroyed the whole city on March 31, 1983. The city took almost 20 years to fully recover from the quake but the vast majority of the buildings in the white colonial centre have now been restored to their former glory.

The city is world-renowned for its Easter celebrations, or the Semana Santa. In fact, the celebrations are the second largest in the world (after Seville, Spain) and are a major sight! Every night during Semana Santa, there are processions in the streets and tens of thousands of people line the sidewalks to watch as floats pass by with religious motifs. The floats are carried on the shoulders of human volunteers. It's a great honour to be selected for the Semana Santa processions but the floats can weigh up to 500 kilo and so dislocated shoulders are frequent. It's a major cultural event that is witnessed by people from all over the country.

Popayan is famed for its architecture and as one of the most picturesque cities in Latin America, most visitors to the city like to take a walk around town to appreciate the fine colonial buildings. The coffee shops and restaurants are famous on an international level and so the gastronomy element of the city is also strong. Museums tend to be dedicated to the famous 'founding fathers' of Popayan and although the city is lacking a museum dedicated to the history of the area, the Natural History Museum is one of the best in the country.

Popayan's surroundings also have a wide range of activities on offer including thermal springs, cycling trips, hiking in the nearby Purace National Park and the indigenous village of Silvia which is just a hour outside town.

Popayan Tours, (info@popayantours.com), [1]. Most of the outdoor activities in Popayan are run through Popayan Tours - the most popular activity being their downhill cycling trip to the nearby thermal springs of Coconuco which costs 55,000 Pesos pp. Other activities include a "Hike and Bike"(85,000 Pesos pp) trip from the Purace volcano, a tour to a local coffee farm (30,000 Pesos pp) and Urban Bird watching (60,000 Pesos)edit

In 2005, Popayan became the first city to be designated a City of Gastronomy as part of the UNESCO Creative Cities initiative. For cheap and genuine food, try the market near Plaza Bolivar, north of the Puente del Humilladero. Meals from COP $3500 (August 2015).

Carantanta soup

Tamales de pipian

Empanadas de pipian

Champús

Manjar Blanco or Payanés

Manjarillo

Cortado

Breva Calada

Paila's Ice cream.

Envuelto

Rosquilla

Veggie option:

El Muro: Carrera 8a, #4-11, 6 dishes and a drink for $4000.

Hotel Real Santo Domingo (calle 4 # 2-39), ☎092-8208022. Wow just an amazing place to eat I had Crepes + Gaseosa (option of chicken or meat or fruits) $7000 pesos (April, 2015) - just wow I see why its awarded city of Gastronomyedit

Cakes and more, carrera 2 #2-35, ☎+57 32 836462. a new place that has amazing cakes - and more. very unique - unique to the region and Popayan - can't find this any place else in the world. edit

Maná, Calle 7 #9-??. Great vegetarian restaurant, with lunch for 4000COP (July 2013). Choose 7 dishes (soups, fruits, mains, dessert and juice) out of the menu of aprox. 10-12 dishes). Often a lot of peoople during lunch (12.00-14.00) and some dishes might be sold out at the end of lunch, so come early.4000. edit

Hostel Caracol, Calle 4 #2-21 (4 blocks east of the main square and just 300m from La Ermita church), ☎311 626 8840 (info@hostelcaracol.com), [3]. Opened in October 2011, this is one of the most laid-back hostels in the city. Located in a beautiful 18th Century colonial building in the heart of the colonial centre. Offers: Free Wifi, Free CityBike rental, Free Computers with internet, 24 hour access, Kitchen, Coffee Shop (Mon to Fri), Lockers with power sockets, lots of information on trips. The hostel also offers the best deals on long-stay rates.2016 Prices: Dorms: COP 25.000, Private Doubles: COP 58.000, Singles: COP 42.000. edit

ParkLife Hostel, Calle 5 #6-19 (In the central park besides the Cathedral), ☎300 249 6240/304 401 1561 (info@parklifehostel.com), [4]. checkin: 1pm; checkout: 12am. This hostel is right in the center of Popayan, in the main square (Parque Caldas). As Lonely Planet explains in its Colombia 2012 edition: "You’d be hard pressed to find a hostel with a better location than Parklife – it’s attached to the cathedral wall" It is located in a beautiful colonial building with average views of the city. The area is pedestrians only so that tranquillity is a guarantee. Its relaxed and quiet atmosphere have attracted many backpackers and travellers visiting the city and/or its surroundings. The services include free WIFI, laundry service, big common areas, free use of the kitchen TV upstairs. The area is very close to several coffee shops, supermarkets and the main commercial street. Many rooms in hostel smell of mold (May 2015). http://www.parklifehostel.comDorms COP 23,000, doubles COP 40,000-60.000 (as of May 2015). edit

Hostel Trail, Carrera 11 #4-16 (20 meters from Hotel Monasterio), ☎314 696 0805 (popayan@hosteltrail.com), [5]. checkout: 12am. The backpacker's choice in Popayan since 2006 and considered by the rough guide to be "one of the best hostels in the country..." with free WIFI and Free Computers with internet, free city bikes shared with Hostel Caracol, TV and DVD room, free lockers with power points, electric hot water showers, laundry service and self-catering kitchen. HostelTrail also runs most of the tours in Popayan including the downhill cycling trip to Coconuco and the "Hike and Bike" trip from the Purace Volcano. Organise your Volcano hike or Biking trips direct from reception.2016 Prices: Dorms: COP$25.000, Private Doubles: COP$52.000-70.000, Singles: COP$42.000-52.000. edit

Hotel Monasterio (Dann Hotel), Calle 4, between Carreras 10 and 11, [6]. This is a city landmark in itself. It used to be a Monastery and it was converted into a very nice hotel. It is behind the Iglesia de San Jose. It is about 4 city blocks from the Parque de Caldas.$$$. edit

Hotel Camino Real, Carrera 5 # 5-59 (Half a block away from Parque Caldas), ☎+ 57 2 824 3595, [7]. This is a very good hotel located in the the city center. The food is unexpectedly sophisticated. The service is cordial, especially important for non-Spanish speaking guests. The decor reflects the Spanish influence, but makes you feel at home. The rooms are comfortable for the business traveler as well as for visiting families. Reasonably priced rooms. Located in the heart of the city. $$. edit

Casa Familiar Turistica, Carrera 5 No. 2-07, ☎(092)8244853, [8]. This is a smallish family run hostel with an excellent location right inside the historical center. The family seems mostly indifferent, neither helpful or rude. It offers two hot showers, kitchen use (with a fee), laundry service and breakfast for COP$3.000. Price for a dormbed was COP$13.000 but has been rising.edit

La Casa de Mima, Calle 3 # 2 -37 (5 blocks away from Parque Caldas), ☎+ 57 2 8243 197, [9]. Once a family home, now attended by owner. Very convenient location in a quiet downtown street. Rooms are large, most with private bathroom. Back garden, small swimming pool. Checkin can be arranged for guest convenience. COP 70.000. edit

Hospedaje Niyireth, Calle 4 Norte #10-45 (Via principal aereopuerto) (Right next to the Bus Station on the street that takes to the airport. Has no sign outside and the entrance is located on a Tyre shop), ☎Mobile +57-3117270472 | Phone: 8319302 (miguel26179@hotmail.com), [11]. checkout: 12:00. Recently renovated, this family house has been arranged like a proper hotel and pricewise is a great choice. It is a relaxed place with free drinking water, clean rooms and bathrooms and just a step away from the station. It isn't a party place. Perfect for couples or groups that want to go see the beautiful market in Silvia Cauca or chill in Popayan. Offers: Free Wifi, Free drinking water, 24 hour access, Flat TV with HDMI input. Only Spanish.Feb 2016 Prices: Single Private w/ priv Bathroom: COP 30.000 (1 person)/40.000 (2 ppl), Private Doubles w/ Priv Bathroom: 50.000 (3ppl)/60.000 (4ppl). edit

There is a lot of budget accommodation in Carrera 6, just across the Puente del Humilladero, north of the Rio Molino.

Coconuco, one hour from Popayan, this small town offers the Hirviendos and Agua Tibia hot springs. HostelTrail (see Sleep) also runs the most popular trip in Popayan which is a 'downhill' cycling trip to Aguas Hirviendos (Not all, but mostly downhill). The tour leaves at 10am from HostelTrail and takes about an hour to get to the springs, passing through Coconuco on the way. You can return at your leisure on the bike provided, 2 hours mostly downhill. 55,000 COP.

Volcán Puracé, Standing at a height of 4,650m (15,256ft) this active Stratovolcano is currently the only active volcano in Colombia which one can summit. Weather conditions vary wildly and the climb to the summit can be a challenge due to both the cold conditions and the altitude. Trekking the volcano requires no technical experience and takes around 8 hours roundtrip from the entrance to the national park at 3,400m. PopayanTours runs a "Hike and Bike" where they drive you much higher up the mountain (4,050m) in a 4x4 which means you have just a 3 hour hike. For those adventurous enough, you can bike the 54km back to Popayan (1,750m).

Tierradentro, Considered one of Colombia's most important archaelogical attractions. This site lies next to a small village (San Andres de Pisimbala) 4 hours from Popayan and it boasts dozens of underground burial chambers.

The tourist centre around Parque Caldas is inconveniently located just north of Barrio Anfonso Lopez, one of the most dangerous parts of the city. Avoid going further south than the Exito supermarket on Calle 6 as muggings are common.